Munnar

Munnar is located in Idukki District, of the Southern State of Kerala in India, is greatly known for its splendid green mountains, valleys and streams. Literally in Tamil, Munnar means "three rivers". This place is often frequented as a tourist spot. Munnar boasts of unending tea estates covering the hill station. Beyond the estates are rich tropical forests which contain wildlife like the Nilgiri tahrs (ibex), sambars, gaurs, elephants and lion-tailed macaques .Munnar is located at the confluence of the mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala and is surrounded by the wild jungles and is rainy and cold for most of the season. The south India's highest peak Anamudi which is 2695 metres high is also situated here. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the "Neelakurinji". This flower that bathes the hills in blue once in twelve years will bloom this year 2006. While in Munnar, one can take part in the conducted tour of a tea factory to witness the process of tea dust being manufacturing, i.e. how a tea leaf is transformed to a cup of tea. Munnar is 133 km from Cochin and 148 km from Kottayam. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi , which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. The high ranges of Munnar were earlier known as Kannan Devan Hills,named after a certain Kannan Devan,who had been land lord in the Anchanad Valley on the eastern side of the district. The main cultivation crops in Munnar are Tea and Coffee.

Hot spots

Mattupetty:
Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized dairy farm - the Indo-Swisss Live Stock project. The Shola forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and are habitat to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscross the terrain here, which again adds more attraction to the place.

Rajamala:
Rajamala is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here, which is fast becoming extinct.

Echo Point:
Echo Point has a natural echo phenomenon and offers panoramic views.

Tata Tea Museum:
It is a must to visit place where you get to travel through the history. Collection of old bits and pieces from the colonial era can be seen here. We can see demonstration of tea production and information on machineries and also tea processing and tea tasting.

Neelakurinji:
a flower which swathe the hills in blue colour once in twelve years is one of the charming scenes in Munnar. Last it has bloomed in 2006 and next after 12 years in 2018. May be it is reminder to witness a once in a life time rare sight of the Kurinji flowers covering the slopes and ravines of Munnar in a blanket of blue.

Eravikulam National Park:
A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr ( Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills. This is an amazing vantage point located at a distance of about 15 km from Munnar. The place derives its name from the natural echo phenomenon of the point. Spectacular views of the surrounding mist-clad blue hills and plantations could be enjoyed from this point. This is an ideal place for trekking and mountaineering. The place lies on the way to Top Station from Munnar.

Anamudi:
The highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.

Devikulam:
The quaint hill station of Devikulam rests like a celestial beauty in the midst of luxurious velvet green hills. This pristine hill station is located at a distance of 16 km from Munnar at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. The hill station is famous for its crystal-clear lake of Sita Devi. Legend connects Devikulam to the ancient Hindu epic of Ramayana. It is believed that during their exile, Sita Devi - the consort of Lord Rama took a bath in this lake. The water in the lake is considered to contain minerals and is acclaimed for its healing powers.

Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary:
This remarkable sanctuary is at a distance of 60 km from Munnar towards Udumalpet and close to Marayoor. The park sprawls over an area of 90.44 sq. km with dense green foliage making it look much bigger than it really is. The area is crisscrossed with many wild rivers making it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of birds. The park is also home to a large number of animals including leopards, endangered giant grizzled squirrel, tigers, elephants, reptiles, peacocks, monkeys, exotic butterflies et cetera. Don’t be surprised if you encounter herds of elephants on the way to the sanctuary. The forest cover here extends all the way to Tamil Nadu. Prior permission is required to enter the sanctuary for trekking from the forest office in Munnar.

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